Semua Bab Side Chick Era… Over: Bab 181 - Bab 190

Nate turned to Theo, clearly trying to shift the blame.“Theo, the reason we lost this time is because you’re still too inexperienced. Did you see how well Matty performed? That 0.1-point difference—Kelly lost because of you.”But Theo’s mind was still stuck on the image of Sharon performing onstage.He’d never seen his mom like that before. She looked like someone else—radiant, almost unreachable. And yet, he couldn’t look away.Was that really his mom? When had she become so incredible? She was even better than Kelly.He was just a kid. He didn’t know much about music. But even he could tell—his mom’s violin sounded better. Way better.And that Matty…He didn’t want to admit it, but Matty’s playing was leagues ahead of his.Their duet had been nearly flawless.He couldn’t argue with that.Looking down, Theo muttered, “I’m sorry. I held Kelly back.”Nate nodded. “Exactly. If it weren’t for you, Kelly would’ve gotten a perfect score. So really, this isn’t even her loss.”Ma

Kelly clenched her fists without realizing it. Her nails splintered, digging into her palms, but she didn't feel a thing.The more skilled you were, the better you understood your opponent’s strength. And Kelly knew—no matter how many times they competed—she could never beat Sharon.Her jaw tightened, her teeth grinding hard enough to crack. The look she gave Sharon could no longer hide her emotions. For the first time, raw hatred and bitter frustration burned in her eyes.How could she lose to Sharon?Why? Why her?“Kelly,” Carter’s voice cut through the silence. “You made a bet. Now honor it.”No one had expected Sharon to actually win. Not even Carter.Even if he didn’t understand music—and even if he was hopelessly biased toward Kelly—he couldn’t lie to himself anymore.Anyone with a decent sense of aesthetics could hear it. Sharon’s performance was more beautiful. More moving.Kelly trembled, seething with helpless rage.Since she’d returned to the country, she’d trample

"Even the top music schools abroad—if you're interested—you could spend a year or so there and walk out with a diploma. It wouldn’t be difficult at all," Lucy said."Our music association is very flexible. We won’t interfere with any of your commercial projects, endorsements, or personal matters. All we ask is that, when you have time, you drop by occasionally to teach a class or two. That would be more than enough."Her words landed like a clean, ringing slap across Madeline’s face. She had just ridiculed Sharon’s education—and now Lucy was practically fawning over her.Madeline’s face turned red, then pale. She couldn’t hold back and snapped, “Is this what music associations have come to? No standards at all? You’ll grovel for anyone now—even a middle school graduate like her?”Lucy had already heard the rumors swirling around. Right now, she was focused on talent—and couldn’t care less about Madeline’s bitterness.“Reputation? What’s that worth next to someone like Sharon?” Luc

It was because of that slip-up that Kelly got dragged through the mud so badly.After hearing Nate's reassurance, she finally let herself relax.What neither of them expected, though, was that even after the trending topics and search entries about Sharon were taken down, the conversations online didn't stop.If anything, they only grew louder.These days, the more mysterious something seemed, the more people wanted to know. The harder you tried to hide it, the more determined they became to dig it up. And modern netizens? They were all little Sherlock Holmes.The moment Nate suppressed the trending topics, users immediately sensed something was off. Their curiosity toward Sharon only deepened.A few sharp-eyed netizens, working with the scraps and rumors provided by the online crowd, began to investigate.By the time Nate and Kelly realized what was happening, it was already far too late.…At the kindergarten, Matty was having the time of his life lately.No matter where

Matty tilted his head. "Then tell me, what exactly is so great about Kelly?"Theo's face twisted with frustration. "She buys me lots of tasty snacks!"Matty nodded lightly. "Mm, and gave you an allergic reaction."Theo fired back, "She cooks for me herself!""Oh, right," Matty replied calmly. "That seafood porridge? Almost gave you another allergy attack.""She plays the violin," Theo said, louder now, as if that would help.Matty didn't miss a beat. "Still lost to Sharon."Theo opened his mouth, struggling. "Kelly also… also…""She also cries," Matty said flatly. "Frames people. Takes what doesn't belong to her… Kelly is so amazing, huh? But really, I should thank you. If your taste wasn't so terrible, how else would my dad and I have the chance to take Sharon away?"Oh, and guess what—I forgot to tell you. This weekend, I'm going to the amusement park with Sharon and Dad. Want to come? Too bad. You're not invited."Matty watched Theo, eyes gleaming as he delivered the final